Music and Drama.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 224, 8 November 1894, Page 6

Music and Drama.

[by

the prompter.]

The J. J. Kennedy Dramatic Company is located at the Christchurch Opera House. “ Potter of Texas” and “ The Two Orphans,” were the opening pieces. The Pollard Liliputians are at Christchurch Theatre Royal, where they arebooked until the 17th inst.

It is said of Mr. Sydney Grundy that when the query “ Why do they call the people in the gallery ‘ the gods ’ ” was put to him by an actress at rehearsal, his reply was, “ To distinguish them from the fiends who sit in the stalls and write criticisms.”

The living pictures in the London music halls have aroused the ire of the Rev. Wilson Carlile, of St. Mary-at-Hill, Eastcheap, who declared in a recent sermon that it was a scandal and disgrace that the said pictures should have come into vogue, “ for they are demoralising to the young women who take part in them, and bring evil thoughts and passions into the minds of the spectators.” We have heard so much of these living" pictures that the sooner we are given an opportunity of judging whether they should or should not be allowed the better we will like it. It appears that the Rev. Carlile in pronouncing the London pictures dangerously close to the suggestive region, did not base his charge on hearsay. No, the rev. gentleman, to use his own words, “ consented to go in lay attire, under the guidance of a representative of the Press (who provided me with an order), and five of the pictures were a shameful outrage and scandal to the modesty of any good woman.” J. L. Toole’s latest story. Strolling along an Oxford street the comedian engaged in conversation with the local policeman, and finding the peace guardian polite and intelligent he thought to reward his politeness by sending him a copy of his “Reminiscences.” So just before leaving the constable, Toole enquired of him if he liked “reminiscences.” “Well, thank you kindly, Mr. Toole,” said the officer, “ but,” in a whisper, “ I’m afraid there’s no house open.” Mr. Haddon Chambers is writing a new play for Mr. Beerbohm Tree, called “ Two Men and a woman.” A card from Brisbane informs me that Mr. Harry Norman, Bland Holt’s popular lieutenant, has had a son born unto him. The advance agent of the Brough and Boucicault company (wires my Dunedin correspondent) arrived to - day. The company open on the 21st inst. in Sydney Grundy’s play, “ Sowing the Wind.” The piece chosen by Mr. Walter Bentley for the opening of his season at the Opera House. “ The Silence of Dean Maitland,” is a dramatised version of a powerfully-written book ; but that the drama is entitled to be classed a powerful one is very much open to question. The language is certainly good, Mr. Bentley does the piece more than justice,, but there is an absence of support as regards the subsidiary characters thatleaves one not altogether satisfied. A s the Dean, Mr. Bentley does all that a talented actor can do to ensure success ; and after witnessing the piece, one is tempted to express regret that so capable an artist as Mr. Bentley should include it in his repertoire. After witnessing his David Garrick or the splendid part sustained by him in “The Bells,” one is not inclined to fall in love with “ The Silence of the Dean of Maitland.” In the last act only is the actor given an opportunity of displaying his histrionic ability, and that one stirring piece of declamation is but indifferently led up tn during the earlier developments of the drama. To-night playgoers will have a more favourable opportunity of enjoying his artistic gifts, “ Garrick” being underlined for both this and Friday evening. On Saturday and Monday evenings “My Partner” and “ Crammond Brig” will be produced, and later in the season “ Hamlet,” and Sardou’s fine play “Friends,” will be staged.